I'm not sure what I believe in right now. I'm not sure what religion I want to have for the rest of my life, so why must I take part in a cerermony that confermns me into a religion that I don't believe in. SUre I believe in God, but I need to get my beliefs straight first. Why do I have to make my confirmation?
2006-09-26 15:14:36 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You don't have to. Let your parents and your pastor know that you are not ready.
2006-09-26 15:19:16 · answer #1 · answered by anabasisx 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Confirmation is a sacrament that completes the graces of Baptism. It is not necessary to be confirmed, but the benefits are an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, a closer union with Christ, and an increase in grace to live a life of faith as an adult.
My suggestion would be to go ahead and take the classes, go to the retreats, and prepare for receiving the sacrament. Make this a year of learning more about your faith. Find a sponsor who is REALLY living their faith. Look for the people who are really active in the parish and ask them to be your sponsor and then ask that person LOTS of questions.
Most teenagers begin the final year of preparation for Confirmation in the same frame of mind that you are in. If at the end of the year of preparation, you still do not feel you are ready, just talk to your parents that you are not ready yet. reassure them that you are not abandoning your faith, but you are just wanting to prepare more.
I am a high school faith formation catechist and I was a Confirmation sponsor last year. Please contact me or instant messenger me at everydaycatholic if you want to chat.
2006-09-26 22:25:55 · answer #2 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I had that same problem! My mom told me to just go ahead with it and then I could change my mind later. I'm still not sure I agree with her, but confirmation does make you an adult in the church's eyes. I would talk with your pastor or priest and see if you can put it off until you're certain it's what you want to do. Otherwise, it won't mean anything.
2006-09-26 22:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by spunk113 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The truth is, you don't! Confirmation would suggest that you are confirming your faith in that religion. And you don't have faith in that religion.
It's not religion you should pursue anyway. Religion is a man-made vehicle to try to "buy" one's way into heaven. Only the blood of Jesus can do this. What you really seek is a RELATIONSHIP with God. This is totally different, and something that no religion on earth can give you.
If you like, you can visit my 360 page, check out my friends as well, and see if this is what you are looking for. Because we have a relationship with the living God, not a religion.
I invite you to come because you are most welcome and I and my friends would embrace you openly with the love of God.
Whatever your decision, just know that the offer will stand. We would love to have you. Even moreso, God would love to have a personal loving relationship with you. God bless you!
2006-09-26 22:20:59 · answer #4 · answered by Shalom Yerushalayim 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
well, as a Catholic I have to tell you that it's an important sacrament that confirms you as an adult in the Church. talk with your parents. tell them you're unsure and be open-minded. maybe they'll convince you, maybe they won't, maybe they'll make you do it anyway.
i suggest you learn about the religion you an i have both been raised in. the truth and understanding that God gives us the right to do what we ought to do is the most liberating experience a person can have.
make your own choice; but make it after investigating.
edit: oh, and be sure to talk with your parish priest.
2006-09-26 22:19:56 · answer #5 · answered by kujigafy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The choice is yours. Sometimes parents want this for their children but the church does not make it mandatory. Get in touch with your confirmation group and make your concerns known. Listen to the pros and cons on this topic and seek guidance from someone you respect.
2006-09-26 22:20:12 · answer #6 · answered by 100percentcotton 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Confirmation won't hurt you and it very well might help. It will also make your parents happy. Just do it.
2006-09-27 05:01:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then don't do it, unless required by your parents. You should always obey them, no matter what religion you decide to be.
But tell them how you feel at any rate. They'll need to know.
2006-09-26 22:19:50 · answer #8 · answered by arewethereyet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you should not.
In the Pagan ways, we ask the gods to watch over a person untill they decide which gods they will worship. this does not bind them in any way to the gods that we ask to protect them. it is like our gods doing a favor for us, watching someone that has yet to decide just because we care about them. and when they do decide they are free to choose which gods or God they will follow.
2006-09-26 22:18:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋